The son of Norway’s Crown Princess has been charged with 32 criminal offences, including four counts of rape, domestic violence, and assault following a year-long police investigation.
Marius Borg Hoiby, 28, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges.
According to media reports, Hoiby has denied the most serious allegations, but his lawyer Petar Sekulic stated that his client would plead guilty to several minor charges.
The accused has no royal title and is not in line for succession to the Norwegian throne
Prosecutor Sturla Henriksboe announced that the charges include one count of rape with sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse, some of which were allegedly filmed on the defendant’s phone.
The Norwegian royal palace issued a statement saying, “It is up to the courts to hear this case and to reach a decision” , while Crown Prince Haakon confirmed that the royal family would continue carrying out their official duties during this challenging time .
